Charity cyclist awarded civic reception at Guildhall

The Mayor of Londonderry has pledged that her office will support the efforts made by an Eglinton cyclist to help children with cancer.

Mayor, Brendan Stevenson hosted a civic reception at the Guildhall on Friday, to honour the achievements of Joe Barr, who recently competed in the Race Across America (RAAM). Joe, backed by his team which includes a number of other people from the city, completed the epic 3,000 mile Race Across America, to raise funds to bring Hopecam to Ireland. Hopecam is a charity which provides hi-tech equipment so isolated young people with cancer can reconnect with school and friends.

The heroic feat is made all the more impressive by the fact that the race almost claimed his life two years ago, when he collapsed from severe oxygen deprivation and partial lung collapse. This time, despite suffering again at altitude and through the desert, Joe managed to complete the world’s most gruelling cycle challenge.

At the civic reception, Joe said his achievement was only made possible by the support of his family, team and sponsors.

His team were: Alan Hamilton (Limavady), Damien Keys (Londonderry), Ian Struthers (Londonderry), David Tommons (Ballykelly), Mark Kirkpatrick (Ballymena), Andy McMullan (Ballygowan), and Rosemary McIlhone (Crossgar).

He revealed that the work to set up a network in Northern Ireland is already underway.